For the fourth year in a row, the fabulous Karen aka @sewandgrow will be opening her gates in Turlock to her fellow poultry enthusiasts & their families for a day of fun, food and feathers! Old friends, new ones and those we're hoping to meet soon are invited. It doesn't matter if you have no birds, one bird or one hundred, there will be plenty to do, lots of great like-minded people to meet, yummy food to eat and possibly much to learn. As before and always, the theme of the day is:

As we have done the past three years, we will have a potluck lunch. Karen will provide a main meat dish - chicken of course! We are asking attendees to bring their own beverages and also sign up to bring side dishes and desserts to fill out the menu. We are requesting RSVPs if at all possible so we can plan accordingly. This thread is to get this party started! Feel free to connect with fellow partygoers and post what you might be looking for bird/eggwise or what you may have to offer!

And also for questions, comments and lots of RSVPs!! If you prefer, PMs may be sent to our "Hostess With the Mostess" Karen @sewandgrow , myself (Jules) @fortyfivefarm , our co-conspirator Dyann @Chooklet and our newest victim partner, Kern @KernH . (The party address will be sent out via PM.)

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Details to make things run a little smoother and to answer most questions in advance...

FAMILY FUN: This day is for the entire family. The large pool area will be open for any who would like to swim,just bring your towels. We also ask that everyone keep an eye on their own children as there is no lifeguard on duty or anyone specifically tasked to babysit. We have a few fun games planned as well as a sno-cone machine, cotton candy maker and a popcorn cart.

FOOD:Karen will be providing the main chicken course. Bring your own beverages and please let us know what you may be bringing so we can begin filling out our categories: Side Dishes and/or Desserts

ROUNDTABLE INTRODUCTIONS: One of the more popular parts of the day is when Karen has attendees introduce themselves and briefly tell about themselves and their birds or interests. Don't worry if you are on the shy side, it's not required - but it is fun. It's also a great way to find out if someone is raising a breed you're interested in!

DISPLAYS/DEMOS: We would like to showcase any static informational-only displays or demos that any of you may be working on - no live animals please. We can definitely use your help. If you (or your 4Her) would care to share your project, please let us know & we can make sure to have a place for it in the display area.

RAFFLE: Another very popular and exciting part of the day is our raffle. Each person in attendance will receive a free ticket when they sign the guest register. The idea is to then sign it and place the ticket in a numbered bag that corresponds to the item you'd like to win. While we have a few items already collected for the tables, we ask people to please bring items (preferably poultry related) to donate and add to the variety and excitement. The bonus for donating is that for each item you donate, you score another raffle ticket! There are also extra tickets to be purchased before the drawing with any proceeds being given back to Karen to assist in the cost of the party.

EGG SWAP: We're bringing back the dedicated egg swap. It will be in 1/2 dozen increments, with no limits on how many you donate/take home. For every 6 PUREBRED eggs that you donate to this swap, you get one ticket which will guarantee you will take home 6 PUREBRED eggs from a different source. Immediately following the regular raffle (which will still contain other donated hatching eggs) we will start drawing tickets. In the order drawn, ticket holders will then choose a 1/2 dozen to take home and turn into chicks!

VENDORS: If you are a vendor of POULTRY-RELATED items, you are welcome to set up a small table - NO LIVE BIRDS/ANIMALS please. There is no fee, but you are asked to donate to the raffle instead. You will need to bring your own tables and all items you need. You must also man your table yourself. We are not responsible for your display or any merchandise/property.

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Biosecurity Concerns
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With the very real threat of Avian Influenza always looming over us as well as just basic biosecurity issues, it has been decided that there will be no live bird or chick sales/displays at the party. In keeping with this, we ask all partygoers to stay in the pool/gazebo areas. There will be no coop tours at this time.

All is not doom and gloom...We always encourage hatching egg sales and/or exchanges. It's a great way to be sure you're going to get the exact breed or variety that you're looking for. Also due to there being plenty of shaded parking areas to the south of Karen's driveways, PRE-ARRANGED bird swaps or sales can be done OFFSITE.

We just ask that NO birds be brought onto the property. Also be sure to always wash or disinfect your hands before & after handling birds and/or eggs.​

It's hard to believe a year has passed since the last one. A year today.............where does the time go...Warning ... the older you get the faster it goes...watch out, it's gone before you know it.....LOL

I am going to try and make it.i have fertile eggs now. Would anyone be interested in my barnyard mixes? My cockerel is a chocolate Orpington. My girls are ee, salmon favorelle, golden campine, Polish, Egyptian foryoumis and a cuckoo Maran. If so I would love to exchange eggs.

This sounds like alot of fun, and a great way to meet so many of you in person, but my wedding is on the 11th, and by the 5th, I'll be up to my ears in all the last details. I'll be looking forward to after get together posts here for certain